WW Lemon Donuts are a refreshing, low-point treat that allow you to indulge in something sweet without sabotaging your Weight Watchers plan. At just 1 SmartPoint per donut, these little lemon-flavored delights are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without using up too many of your daily points. The fresh lemon zest and juice bring a bright, citrusy punch to each bite, while the use of healthy ingredients like non-fat Greek yogurt and applesauce keep them moist and flavorful without the added calories and fat. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, these donuts offer a satisfying way to indulge.
The beauty of these WW Lemon Donuts lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients—flour, sweetener, Greek yogurt, applesauce, and a few basic baking supplies—you can whip up a batch in no time. The combination of Greek yogurt and applesauce helps keep the donuts moist while providing protein and fiber, helping you stay full longer. This makes them not only a delicious treat but also a more nutritious option compared to traditional sugary donuts. You can even make these donuts ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later, making them a great option for meal prep.
Another great feature of these WW Lemon Donuts is that they are easily customizable. While the lemon flavor is refreshing on its own, you can get creative by adding ingredients like poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy seed twist or a drizzle of sugar-free glaze for a bit of sweetness. You can also experiment with adding a dash of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor profile. With just a few adjustments, you can tailor these donuts to suit your taste preferences while keeping them low in points.
These WW Lemon Donuts are an excellent way to enjoy a light, satisfying treat while sticking to your Weight Watchers goals. They are not only low in points but also high in protein and fiber, which helps curb hunger and makes them a great option for meal prep or on-the-go snacks. With their bright lemon flavor and soft texture, these donuts are perfect for anyone looking for a healthier way to indulge in a sweet, baked good. Whether you’re craving something sweet in the morning or need a quick snack during the day, these 1 SmartPoint Lemon Donuts will hit the spot without derailing your healthy eating plan.
WW Lemon Donuts Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier twist)
- 1/4 cup sweetener (such as stevia or erythritol)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or use a silicone donut mold for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, applesauce, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense donuts.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: If desired, dust the cooled donuts with a small amount of powdered sugar or drizzle a light lemon glaze made from powdered sweetener and lemon juice.
- Serve and Enjoy: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Information (per donut – makes 8 donuts):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- WW Points: 1 SmartPoint per donut
Why These WW Lemon Donuts Work:
- Low in SmartPoints: At just 1 SmartPoint per donut, these lemon treats are a fantastic option for anyone following the Weight Watchers program. By using healthier substitutes like Greek yogurt and applesauce, you get a moist and flavorful donut without using up too many points. The addition of lemon zest and juice provides a bright, refreshing flavor that makes these donuts feel indulgent despite their low point value.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the inclusion of Greek yogurt and egg, these lemon donuts are relatively high in protein for a baked good. Protein helps keep you full and satisfied longer, making them a great option for breakfast or as a filling snack. This can help curb cravings and prevent you from reaching for less healthy, higher-point snacks.
- Made with Simple Ingredients: These donuts are made with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making them a convenient and cost-effective treat. The use of natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol keeps the sugar content low while still providing that sweet flavor we crave in a dessert.
- Customizable: While the recipe calls for a simple lemon flavor, you can easily customize these donuts by adding mix-ins like poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy seed version or even a few fresh berries for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different glazes or toppings, such as a light drizzle of sugar-free chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon for variety.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: These WW Lemon Donuts are perfect for meal prep. Bake a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a delicious, low-point treat ready to enjoy throughout the week. They store well in the fridge for a few days and can even be frozen for longer storage, making them a great option for busy days when you want something healthy and sweet without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tips for Success:
- Use a Donut Pan: To get that classic donut shape, it’s best to use a donut pan. If you don’t have one, you can also use a muffin tin, though the texture may be slightly different.
- Add a Glaze: For a little extra indulgence, make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sweetener and a small amount of lemon juice. Drizzle it over the donuts for a touch of sweetness without adding many extra points.
- Storage: Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds when you’re ready to eat.